Falcons News

Jeff Taffe played parts of two seasons with the Springfield Falcons, appearing in 72 games and totaling 65 points, 33 goals, 32 assists and 63 penalty minutes. He also played in five playoff games in 2003, registering three assists and eight penalty minutes.

Taffe, selected in the first round (30th overall) of the 2000 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues, Taffe began his pro career with the Falcons after three seasons at the University of Minnesota. In his rookie season in 2002-03, the Hastings, Minnesota native amassed 49 points (23 goals, 26 assists) and 44 penalty minutes in 57 games with Springfield. He also appeared in 20 games for the Phoenix Coyotes in his first pro season, notching four points (three goals, one assist) and four penalty minutes.

Taffe appeared in 15 games for the Falcons in 2003-04, and Phoenix and Springfield discontinued their affiliation before the following season. Despite playing only 72 games with the team, he ranks tied for fifth in Falcons history with 10 game-winning goals, even with Cam Atkinson and Liam Reddox.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound centerman went on to play for other NHL organizations such as the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild. He also appeared in games for the AHL’s Utah Grizzlies, Hartford Wolf Pack, San Antonio Rampage, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Rochester Americans, Rockford IceHogs, Houston Aeros and currently suits up for the Hershey Bears.